Fae Revolution

By Autumn M. Birt

They once ruled this world. Now, they want it back.

The loss of David Williams leaves the fae with no powerful advocate in the human world, but it is the life of October’s lover that hangs in the balance and leads her on a desperate quest to save him. But the price for healing him might just be what tears them apart. And that is just the start of her problems.

When one powerful fae’s thoughtless lust for revenge leaves the dark fae homeless, October fears the fae will flock to Population Zero and their cause to rid the world of humans. As two problems threaten to merge into one unstoppable force, October and a troubled dark fae warrior struggle to find a way to help the fae that doesn’t remove humanity from the planet.

All the while, she mourns the loss of a relationship that introduced her to a world of magic beyond anything she thought possible. There isn’t time to dwell on the past, though, not if she wants to help the fae or her fellow humans, as a new arrival to Population Zero offers a unique solution to their ultimate goal in a series of curses that will have humanity undoing itself.

After two centuries of slow death, the fae are ready to fight back and reclaim the world they’ve lost with the one weapon humans don’t even think is real: Magic. But will that be enough to overcome humanity, which has virtually annihilated the fae without even knowing they existed?

Pick up the next book in the Tainted Fae series and join the fight of the fae for the right to live with Fae Revolution today. The fate of the fae hangs in the balance. Will the combined force of a nihilistic group and rogue dark fae be enough to create a hexed virus that will lead humanity to destroy itself before they discover the fae and magic are real?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Autumn M. Birt
• Release date: Apr 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005136734

Autumn M. Birt

Autumn (also known as Weifarer and Autumn Raven) is a travel and fiction writer currently based in Maine where she lives in a small cottage lost in the woods, which she built with her husband and with the supervision (and approval) of two Cairn terriers.With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bucknell University in Studio Arts and English, Autumn once considered a career in illustration. However, an ecology course at Virginia Tech led to a Master of Science degree in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine in Orono. After graduation with her M.S., Autumn has worked for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This was a great job that not only let her help the environment and protect local agriculture, but also gave her a paycheck big enough to support her writing habit until finally ... at long last she is now a full time writer and on-line educator!

Book preview

1

Doras Mór

T he door won’t open; let’s go heal Adahy.

October turned on her heel and started down the path leading into the woods that grew at the foot of the grassy hillside. Sgleò grabbed her arm. Happily, not with the hand still dripping blood from a nick with a silver knife. But not even Sgleò’s blood had opened the hidden doorway locked behind the uncut thatch.

Sgleò stared with brows bunched at the hill’s gentle curve with its blanket of unruly plants highlighted in afternoon sunlight. No one can keep me out. I am Sgleò Faolchon, the last of the Tuatha de Dannan and…

October sighed. If she’d learned anything in the preceding two days with Sgleò as they tracked down the door to the Dark Court, it was that he was incredibly stubborn. The fastest way to end this was simply to get it over with. And she wanted it done.

No matter Sgleò’s assurances that they could walk through time and arrive back in Wind River mere moments from when Raven set her off onto the spiral path — until it happened, she didn’t believe it, and any delay felt callous. For all she knew, Adahy was already dead.

October blinked away tears rising from the twist in her gut. Fine. What’s wrong?

Sgleò stared at her a moment as if he’d lost the trail of his thoughts since she’d interrupted him. It is well barred, better than the first time Riasg brought me here.

You knew the way? She considered strangling him.

Sgleò shrugged. I was unwell — newly awakened. I recall little of that period.

She would throttle him as soon as he healed Adahy. How do we break in?

Sgleò’s eyes twinkled as he smiled at her. Subtlety wasn’t his nature anyway, and October’s suggestion roused the maverick delight that seemed to lurk beneath the skin of all fae, light or dark, or before such designations like Sgleò. His hand slipped down her arm with a caress that felt too intimate. October swallowed the shudder that rippled through her. Now was not the moment to rebuke him.

She wasn’t sure what had moved her to have sex with Sgleò, but the result of Sgleò’s cooperation made it worthwhile. Or at least, it would once Sgleò actually followed through and healed Adahy.

Sgleò, this new younger version of the old man she had met in Wind River, surprised her with his casual use of magic as well as irritated her with his lack of explanations. He used her amplification as a tool without considering that it came combined with a person. If she had power of her own…

October took a deep breath and let it go. Two days and all she dreamed about was smacking his smugly handsome face. She needed to do better, for Adahy’s sake.

So, when he pressed her palm against the damp earth while grass blades tickled her wrist and the warmth of his magic flowed from his hand placed firmly above hers and into her, she didn’t fight. She pushed the growing tingle outward from her fingers. The ground trembled.

Sgleò didn’t flinch, so neither did she. If there was one part she had faith in Sgleò for, it was his use of magic. He was magic, or, at least, he used it innately like a bird commanded air.

Under her fingers, a tiny crack formed. It spread upward as the hill shook, then stalled. Sgleò funneled more magic into her hand until it felt on fire, but what she sent into the rock burned like magma. Tears stung October’s eyes at the electric pain of what must have been tissue and muscle melting from her charring bones. The force that resisted them snapped. The hillside tore apart in a spray of earth, grass, and magic. Dirt pelted her as the explosive sound of the breaking of magic, soil, and stone shattered her hearing to muted echoes and a loud buzzing. Still leaning forward with her hand resting against now absent earth, October toppled into the chasm.

She landed in a place of cool darkness and spat out a mouthful of silty mud. Unable to see, October stretched out her hands. Clods of grass lay in clumps against a stone floor. Only then did she realize she could feel with both sets of fingers; the magic hadn’t ripped her apart after all. Lying on her belly on the floor of the Dark Court as flashes of violet-tinged magic snapped around her, the ringing in her ears subsided to reveal shouts, screams, and the dripping plunks of water. She breathed in the smell of burned soil and pulverized minerals. It sounded and smelled as if she’d fallen into a war zone.

Fucking Sgleò.

She scrambled to her hands and knees. Sgleò might be powerful, but he was an idiot. If he got himself killed, there would be no point in cheating on Adahy. Her head ached as her heart constricted. October launched herself to her feet. A blast of magic skated across her arm with the cold sharpness of a dagger made of ice.

October pushed away the frigid scraping even as she recognized it was magic. Magic was something she could use. They were in the middle of a battle arcing with it, after all. The frozen scratches faded to the softness of feathers brushing her skin. Tingling, she reached for it. Her body tensed as a jolt of power flowed into her. Her hair hovered weightlessly around her face — which she could only tell because she could finally see in the blasted darkness of the room. That would have been great, but except for finding Sgleò, she didn’t know who else she was looking for.

A woman with dark hair and luminous eyes lifted her hands as she tossed rippling energy toward the penetrating light of the massive crack that zigzagged across one wall. Traces of her spell wafted through October; she felt like she glowed she held so much power. The woman’s eyes widened. October raised a hand, wondering if she could send out what she’d collected. Instead, a gentle weight fell on her shoulder.

Pain and the sensation of falling raced through October at the touch. Magic shot out of her like illuminated pellets, striking walls and those hurling attacks at her or trying to mend the break. Fresh cries of agony and anger growled through the echoing chamber. From the darkest corners, the glowing eyes of massive dogs turned toward her.

Be careful with that, Sgleò said as he stepped next to her. You don’t know what you are doing.

It was just as well Sgleò had drained her of the power she’d collected. Otherwise, she would have hurled it at him.

She gritted her teeth instead. Just try not to get killed.

Around them, smoke and magic roiled amidst the rubble of the chamber. Wafts holding sparks seeped toward the massive crack in the wall where a closed door remained despite the frame around it being gone.

Sgleò snorted. There is nothing here that can kill me. He lingered amid the chaos he’d caused with head high and fully exposed.

October itched to pull him to where she crouched lower to the ground and behind a broken column. Really? You didn’t look too good when we first met.

Faint doubt bunched his brows.

October balled her fists to keep her from wrapping her fingers around his neck. Let’s find Gavin.

Amid the slight pause in magical attacks, a woman spoke with a ringing voice. Heal the breach. I will take care of the intruders.

Sgleò’s attention fell on the fae woman, who stared back with equal intensity. Power sparked around her like stars being born and dying. Dark hair lifted from her shoulders, weightless in the magical energy surrounding her.

I found something better than Gavin.

Despite poised hands and a half-smile on her face, she didn’t attack. So Sgleò did. His bolt of power lit the room to beyond daylight, leaving October blinded by its afterglow that burned into her retinas. Around the blazing halo blocking her vision, she saw the woman crouched as the rock lintel above her dripped magma. A flash of annoyance brightened her eyes and flashed across the silver crown woven into her hair before she turned and ducked through the doorway behind her.

October grabbed onto Sgleò’s arm, but he shook her off as he dashed after the woman. All motion in the room where October stood paused. Three fae still remained on the far side of the elegant chamber that she and Sgleò had wrecked. Faint sunlight of the modern world crept underhill to fall on stone floors never meant for human eyes. October felt a pang for what they had done, as well as the sheer panic of being alone in a room with people they’d attacked. She dove after Sgleò as the three turned toward her.

Stone daggers shattered against the wall behind her, followed by a waft of fire that left tapestries burning. The second room was already empty, but a flash of light seen through a right-hand doorway sent October racing through it. She chased Sgleò’s magic like the magical battle was a fairy light and dimly hoped it wasn’t. She was the intruder here, both human and an attacker. Without Sgleò, she doubted she’d find her way out.

She ran through a labyrinth of moonlight bright, windowless rooms, jumping a stream that flowed down the center of one. Occasionally, she glimpsed movement in doorways as she rushed past, deeper into the twilight darkness. Broken stone, sparks, and motes of flame marked the path she followed. A brilliant light flashed again ahead, accompanied by a woman’s scream.

Sgleò!

October felt like she broke the sanctity of the place by shouting, but then, they’d forced their way in, so caring about peaceful silence seemed hardly a worry worth considering. Not to mention, October heard shouts behind her. More than one voice yelled, Protect the queen!

Panting, October put in a last burst of speed to race down a long hallway whose columns were carved like trees. She barely glanced at the crystalline throne at the far end as she dodged around it and through a door haloed in light.

Sgleò! October shouted again.

The dark woman paused with her hands raised, eyes widening as she peered from October to Sgleò. Her aggressive posture drooped slightly from where she stood next to a crystal held on a metal stand that roiled with internal smoke and light. As she opened her mouth, Sgleò jumped forward and tackled her.

They fell in a twisting ball of arms and legs, both pushing against the other as they toppled onto the floor and against wooden chests and the metal pillar. The crystal tumbled from its pedestal, rolling across a thick carpet to rest against half-open trunks of finery with silken dresses partially spewed. Finally, Sgleò pinned her. He brushed the hair from her face as he kept her arms trapped with his weight.

So nice to see you again, Efflyn.

2

The Fae Queen

W e aren’t here to find Efflyn!

For once, her anger got the better of October. She kicked Sgleò in the side. He shifted to glare at October, moving from his pose that combined pinning Efflyn against the stone floor with the intimacy leading to a kiss.

I’m here for Efflyn. Sgleò sat upright, jerking the fae woman along, though he kept her hands firmly in his own. For payback to what you did to me.

Even disheveled, the Dark Queen’s beauty was beyond October’s ability to believe. She’d always thought Diva the most stunning person she knew. Diva was a distant star compared to the sun of Efflyn, though sun wasn’t the right word — perhaps black hole.

Black hair that fell in loops and waves tumbled to the woman’s bare shoulders where her dress had slipped onto her upper arms. Obsidian eyes were filled with the restlessness of stars and nebula, giving color while holding none permanently. All of that was set against a face that a sculptor would cry to imagine and carve. October could see why Riasg had sworn himself to serve this woman. Hate erupted in her core so swiftly it burned the surprise of its presence away.

Outside the room, running footfalls echoed. Efflyn was the queen. Of course her dark fae would come looking for her. And she and Sgleò had her trapped with them deep within Doras Mór. If Sgleò had any plan, it seemed to be one to get them killed.

October closed the heavy silver metal door. They are coming for your prize. Help me seal it.

Sgleò waved a casual hand in October’s direction, his gaze remaining fixated on Efflyn. The waft of magic touched her like a warm breeze; she ignited it. Sparks danced amid hissing light around the edge of the doorframe, melding it to the wall. Sgleò might know how to use her power, but October was developing a knack for handling magic as well. With the entrance sealed, she turned back to Sgleò and his captive.

Efflyn watched her with wide eyes. You are the amplifier?

Where is Gavin? Only the fae healer could have told Efflyn that.

The Dark Queen lifted her head with a smirk that caused Sgleò to squeeze her arm. Here.

The fae woman’s painful charm melted and shifted, resetting features to something more noble and strong mixed with raw beauty. Her long dark hair rippled as it changed from black to red, streaked with green at the tips.

Sgleò held on, but his face showed doubt. You lie.

You know it’s true, the woman said. I’m Gavin, not Efflyn. She stared at Sgleò’s face and reached to touch him gently with the one hand Sgleò begrudgingly freed. Soyla did this for you? She restored you?

Sgleò flinched and then released Gavin with an air of annoyed dismissal. No, the manitou woman is not that skilled. October healed me.

Gavin’s eyes widened as she glanced at October. How?

October dropped her gaze and would not meet Gavin’s eyes. A lump in her throat made it hard to breathe. She was glad to have revived Sgleò and gained a promise from him, but the cost… it sat in her chest like a nest of sleeping snakes she didn’t want to wake.

Ah, Gavin said simply as she rose awkwardly to her feet.

The dress she’d worn as Efflyn fell a little too short and too roomy at the breasts and just a hint too tight at the waist. But with a gentle shake, the ill fit smoothed out. October was impressed and intimidated by the tall fae woman. The only other female fae she knew was Leanag, who was more annoying than mesmerizing. Gavin watched her with equal fascination. She parted her lips as the doorknob turned. The sealed door did not even tremble as someone pounded on it.

They must be in here.

Finish the search.

Efflyn, let us in!

October backed away. We should go. Can we leave from here?

Sgleò grabbed Gavin’s arm and received a withering glare for the rough touch. Where is Efflyn?

That isn’t why we are here. As the silver door shook due to what sounded like a small explosion on the far side, October considered pleading.

Gavin didn’t appear at all upset by the sounds emanating from outside the room. It is why he is here, she said calmly.

October searched for something that would motivate Sgleò. You promised Riasg—

I did not promise Riasg anything.

October was done with him. As soon as they returned and he healed Adahy, she never wanted to see the ancient fae again.

Efflyn isn’t here. Gavin winced as a blast rattled the door. Dust and tiny sparks wafted through a few small gaps. She should be somewhere in the southern part of the country chasing a pixie in my guise.

And you just walked into Doras Mór pretending to be the Dark Queen? Sgleò scoffed.

Gavin raised an eyebrow. Yes. Sgleò blinked.

Damn, this woman was someone October wanted to call a friend. A louder burst briefly pressured the air in the room and sent her ears ringing. Getting to know Gavin could wait for a different day, if they escaped. We need to leave.

I can’t. Gavin crossed her arms as she stared at Sgleò. Not unless he removes the spell binding me to the Fair Isle.

October expected Sgleò to laugh and escape, but the distant glint in his teal blue eyes softened.

I owe you that much for the help you’ve granted me. Sgleò flicked a hand at the wall and door, steadying the trembling stone. The faint dust in the room fell to the floor with a sandy hiss. What was done to you to trap you here?

Gavin’s annoyed stance wilted as she adjusted her arms to cradle herself. I did this to myself.

And you could not break your own spell? Sgleò did laugh at that.

No, I am not willing to undo it! Gavin snapped as she stepped toward him. Sgleò stepped back, but Gavin’s focus had shifted from him to memories that diminished the fire in her eyes. She touched her forehead as she released a slow breath.

I cast a spell when I was a young healer, one that no other was willing to do. It was to heal the land and required mixing my blood with the soil. I knew then it would constrain me to wherever I cast it, so I made it as big as the island. I just never thought of the time and passing of centuries… of a world such as this and being trapped in an island that has become foreign under my feet.

For once, October understood fae lifespans — and the problems they harbored instead of the whimsical notion of living for centuries. Then scratching at the door as if a wolverine the size of a bear tried to claw through the wall broke her thoughts. She glanced warily at the uneven stones.

Sgleò shook his head, completely ignoring the fresh sounds of the fae trying to reach their supposed queen. It was noble of you, but now it is time to break it. He touched Gavin’s arm gently.

Gavin met his gaze with tears in her eyes. The pleading for help in her expression faded and firmed. No, she whispered. The land is sick enough. I won’t undo the spell. It may be all that keeps pockets of magic alive here.

Sgleò glared at her a moment in silent frustration. Then you cannot leave.

Go, then! Gavin waved them away, though a few tears trailed down her cheeks. They think I am Efflyn. I’ll be fine.

Sgleò shook his head. For how long? Your magic will give you away, eventually.

I will not undo the spell. Gavin was defiant despite a new barrage of minor explosions and pounding from something massive battering the wall so that the door rattled and leaked dust into the room. A few cracks splintered across the stone wall.

Sgleò sighed, but his lips lifted in a half-smile. He turned to October. For this, I require your help.

October thought he meant to leave, but as soon as October extended her hand into his waiting one, he glanced at Gavin. I will need a drop of your blood… to aid me in finding the rest.

Gavin’s brows bunched as she pulled a knife from the belt around her waist and pricked her finger. She remained silent as a red drop fell like a ruby into Sgleò’s upturned palm. As crimson light streamed, he closed his fingers over it, making the flesh of his hand glow.

October tried to ignore the blasts that shook the walls as she felt a pull as if someone tugged on strings sewn into her hands. She held still against the uncomfortable sensation that didn’t quite phase into pain as Sgleò opened his fist.

The drop of blood glowed scarlet as light swirled around it, sparking with magic. The spiral widened along with the sucking sensation as if Sgleò pulled power from the marrow of her bones. October grabbed onto Sgleò’s arm to keep herself from falling.

October’s ears clogged and popped. Despite that, she heard a change in the echoing shouts from outside the room. More than one voice pleaded for Efflyn and argued over who cast the powerful spell building on the other side of the sealed door.

That was no surprise. Already, the chamber held more magic than air. Gavin kept herself steady with the support of the far wall as bands of glowing sparks set amid obscuring darkness skimmed against the walls, floor, and ceiling. They stood in a vortex of magic, a galaxy of it. The pressure of it compressed October’s chest and squeezed her eyes so they felt like they would surely pop from her skull. Tears flowed down her face, and all the moisture in her mouth swelled under her tongue so that she gagged when she swallowed.

Under October’s palm, Sgleò’s body was tense. He gritted his teeth as he held up his hand with the drop of blood. The whirl of magic moved with him as he closed his eyelids and whispered under his breath. Time grew infinite… and incredibly painful.

The edges of October’s vision darkened, so she didn’t see at first the dull flecks of dust swirling toward the center of Sgleò’s glowing magic. Only when they were thick enough to be seen as veins of darkness turning counter to the brilliant spiral did she notice the spell produced more than luminance and made her feel as if her insides were being compressed. October dug her fingers into Sgleò’s arm to keep from collapsing. Instead of the roaring in her ears, she focused on the bits of dirt that reached the center of the spell. There, they clung to the drop of the vibrant red gem in Sgleò’s palm.

The dazzling light in the room faded as each grain attached to the single ruby of Gavin’s blood. With each decrease in brightness, the pressure eased slightly until October could stand on her trembling legs without feeling she was being forced to the ground. But she still clutched on to Sgleò to keep herself upright. He put his free arm around her waist, offering support while harnessing her ability to amplify magic at the same time. She was too tired to hate him for that.

The last sparks faded as the final bits of dust slipped through cracks in the walls to congeal into a sphere encasing Gavin’s blood. Sgleò lowered his hand where now a stone the size of an egg rested.

He held it out to Gavin. Take your protective spell with you then.

Tears overflowed Gavin’s green eyes. Frantic calls on the other side of the door rushed back into October’s consciousness. She peered behind her. Sizable cracks riddled the wall. Considering the spell Sgleò had cast, October didn’t doubt he’d weakened the stone as much as the dark fae succeeded in their efforts to break through.

Gavin didn’t seem to notice or care as she approached Sgleò’s outstretched hand tentatively, almost caressing the grey and brown flecked orb before she picked it up. Gavin cradled the stone to her breast.

Thank you. Her voice wavered in a husky whisper.

A boom reminiscent of thunder sounded in the next room, causing all three of them to duck. Now, we should go, Sgleò said.

October didn’t disagree; she just didn’t know how. She felt as if she’d run, swam, and biked a triathlon. As much as she didn’t want Sgleò’s arm around her, it kept her on her unsteady feet. Even Gavin’s hands, holding the remains of her protective spell, trembled. Sgleò seemed the least affected by his magic, but then, Riasg had always claimed the ancient fae was a force closer to a god.

Still, they were in no shape to fight. And outside the chamber, dark fae sought to break in to rescue their queen. October highly doubted they would ask questions about where Efflyn had gone before tearing the three of them to shreds.

The wall shuddered again. Whatever the dark fae were doing to smash into the room, it was working. Sgleò kept hold of October, for which she was grateful even though she sensed the twist on her power as Sgleò closed his eyes to focus. He would ring every drop of amplification out of her before she collapsed. But she didn’t care, not if he saved Adahy. Her life had never been part of the bargain.

The shuddering walls around them faded into thick dust that grew into a black mist. The shouts and bangs on the crumbling wall changed to echoes as if the room had become vast and those outside the door were much further away. Sgleò moved his free hand in a spiral, and with that, the mist separated. In the darkness that led to nothing, October saw the faintest glint of the spiral path.

Do you remember the route you walked to find me? Sgleò asked.

That had been days ago, but October remembered Beira’s advice. She could locate the moment Raven had sent her on the path; she was sure of it.

Yes, I know the way.

A faint line marred Gavin’s forehead, but as a fresh blast spewed rock fragments and acrid dust, she ducked and then scrambled into the corner along the edge of the wall cluttered by the open chests and shine of piled jewels.

Sgleò took a step onto the path, dragging October with him. Are you coming?

Gavin straightened. The strange crystal swirling with its violet light amid bands of darkness rested in her hand. The rest of the dresses, fabrics, gems, and treasures, she ignored. Efflyn must not have this again.

Sgleò shook his head as he waved her ahead. A shout pierced the mist as if a barrier didn’t stand between them and the dark fae. As stones tumbled and the magic in the room wavered, October realized that was because one did not, not anymore. Although the dark fae had breached the door, Sgleò paused rather than follow Gavin into the crackling blackness of the spiral path. He looked back.

Efflyn’s home.

Still supported by Sgleò’s arm, October felt the surge of power like a bolt of lightning rose through her. What are you doing? Her hair stood on end as the air snapped with sparks. A halo of energy formed around Sgleò’s free hand as he raised it once more.

Gavin turned at October’s shout. Her gaze shifted from October to the room in Doras Mór barely seen behind them. No! Gavin lunged forward and grabbed Sgleò’s arm. There are few enough places safe for us left.

She wasn’t fast enough. Bolts of light shot into the stone walls and across the ceiling that lay only a few paces behind them. October pulled herself from Sgleò’s tight grip, but most of his spell had already been unleashed. The loss of her amplification barely diminished the cascading destruction heard in the roar of falling stones as if a mountain collapsed. Amid the pounding came painful screams.

Whispering words as she drew the rune for protection, Gavin threw her magic after Sgleò’s hazardous power. The crystal in her hand writhed as the violet lights swirled faster. October threw the last of her energy into Gavin’s creation, visualizing the runes Riasg had taught her to protect Wind River.

Gavin’s quickly sketched spell flared with light.

Enough. Sgleò turned, and the small portal connecting them to the crumbling Doras Mór closed, leaving a lingering smell of ancient dust and echoing screams.

3

Death’s Door

October stepped from the crackling spiral path and onto the soft earth of Wind River’s field. Only Gavin’s arm kept her standing. The desire to save Adahy kept her conscious.

The house lay only a few hundred yards across the dark meadow, the porch light on just as October remembered it. She glanced beyond the silent fields toward where she’d stood at the head of them with Raven. Was that really this night, or had it been weeks ago? When were they? She couldn’t tell, at least not by remaining there.

Where? Gavin asked simply.

October did not doubt the healer could sense her need. The cottage to the left of the barn.

Gavin supported October as they walked through the swishing flowers. Summer air lay stagnant over the farm, a heavy weight that needed a thunderstorm to ease the silent tension of thick humidity.

October stopped in her tracks. There are no pixies… no lightning bugs. She swung to face Sgleò. We are too late! Bitter tears flooded her eyes.

Sgleò shrugged. Then we will walk backward a few more hours or days. You are the one that led us here.

Gavin pulled October forward. It is oppressive, but not yet a death keen. Let’s see before deciding.

October went with Gavin because she would have simply fallen into the field, unable to move without the healer’s support more than willingness. She wasn’t sure she could survive seeing Adahy dead, not as she had glimpsed when she’d followed Amadahy.

But it had been dawn then when she’d peered through the curtain of this world and wherever the path she’d walked lay. October glanced toward the sky. Only a faint smudge that may have been a cloud on the eastern horizon as much as the first signs of a new day hovered above the low, forested ridge.

They might not be too late. Hope, wild and as powerful as the magic that had pushed her into Sgleò’s arms in Scotland, ripped through October. She found the strength to stumble the last of the distance across the tidy patch of grass in front of the little cottage. Without knocking, she yanked open the door. A draft of smoke holding more herbs than she could name washed over her.

Inside, Soyla stood over Adahy’s unmoving form, chanting as she held burning sage above where he lay on the center table. Qaletaqa did not miss his drum beat, though he peeked open one eye to see who entered. Riasg, who stood opposite Soyla, stopped in mid-speech, his jaw slowly dropping.

Bramble was the first to move. He launched himself from the nearest counter with a trumpeted